Disney World Vs. DeSantis: Florida Governor Calls For The Removal Of Park’s Self Governance Status

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has voiced consideration of repealing Disney’s ability to self-govern its Orlando-area park after the entertainment and media company voiced opposition to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which DeSantis signed into law on Monday.

Not just DeSantis, but multiple members of the Florida Republican Party have voiced their support for repealing the 1967 Reedy Creek Improvement Act, which allows Disney World to self-govern. The park is technically a city with its own police force and residents.

After initially funneling money to support politicians in favor of the Parental Rights In Education bill, the company changed its stance after mass criticism and an employee walkout. Now, the company has promised to help overturn the bill.

“Disney has alienated a lot of people now,” DeSantis said at a West Palm Beach press conference, according to CNN. “And so the political influence they're used to wielding. Why would you want to have special privileges in the law at all? And I don't think that we should.”

Florida Republicans have referred to Disney as a “California company” that is trying to bring its “woke” values into the state. Disney is the largest company in Florida, running multiple amusement and theme parks in the state and throwing around a lot of political influence.

Florida lawmakers concluded their legislative business for the year, which means they would not be able to repeal the law until next year unless they convene a special session to address the issue.

“In effect, they’re their own city out there [Disney]. They can zone the way they want. They can do things the way they want. They can even build a nuclear power plant if they want,” News 6’s political analyst Jim Clark said on the matter.

Clark clarified that Disney’s status as the largest employer in Florida has affected and escalated the current conflict. In the past, Disney donated money to Republicans in the state, but now the two sides are turning against each other in a culture war.